International Business Machines Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

On September 8, 2020, Schlumberger, IBM, and Red Hat announced a collaboration aimed at accelerating digital transformation in the oil and gas sector. This initiative will utilize IBM's hybrid cloud technology, specifically the Red Hat OpenShift platform, to expand access to Schlumberger's DELFI cognitive exploration and production environment. The project will focus on hybrid cloud deployments and the OSDU data platform implementation, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with local regulations. This partnership signifies a major step in providing comprehensive digital solutions to energy operators globally.

Bloomberg Media will launch an innovative debate series, "That's Debatable," on Bloomberg Television on October 9 at 7:00 PM ET, in partnership with Intelligence Squared U.S. and hosted by journalist John Donvan. Sponsored by IBM (NYSE:IBM), the series aims to engage audiences on pressing issues through Oxford-style debates featuring expert teams. AI from IBM Watson will enhance discussions by analyzing viewer submissions and providing insights. The inaugural debate explores the contentious topic: "It's Time to Redistribute the Wealth."

The IBM Institute for Business Value's August survey shows significant consumer concern regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with over 14,500 adults from various countries participating. Key findings indicate that 70% of Americans are concerned about health safety, while 69% worry about job security. The data reveals generational differences in outlook, with millennials feeling more job insecurity and Baby Boomers being pessimistic about economic recovery. Additionally, preferences for workplace flexibility and transparency are high, with over half of Americans trusting their employers during this crisis.

IBM Watson Health has partnered with OrbitalRX to address the drug shortage crisis exacerbated by COVID-19. The collaboration combines OrbitalRX's Drug Shortage Management Platform with IBM Micromedex into a unified solution named 'OrbitalRX and Micromedex.' This platform will provide healthcare providers with real-time insights into drug inventory and clinical alternatives to manage shortages effectively. Currently, nearly 200 drugs are listed as short in the U.S., complicating healthcare delivery. The new solution is anticipated for release in Q4 2020.

IBM has partnered with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to enhance fan engagement for the US Open, which will occur without live audiences due to COVID-19. Utilizing artificial intelligence and hybrid cloud technologies, IBM introduces three innovative digital experiences: Open Questions with Watson Discovery, Match Insights with Watson Discovery, and AI Sounds. A recent survey indicates that 48% of sports fans find digital engagement increasingly important. The tournament runs from August 31 to September 13, 2020, and aims to connect fans worldwide through digital platforms.

IBM has launched an AI-based virtual assistant in partnership with Seoul, South Korea, as part of the city's "I Care You" project to gauge citizen challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The assistant, developed with Watson Assistant, will collect data on health impacts, social isolation, and changes in daily life affecting residents. This initiative aims to inform policymakers and improve city services. The project was completed in three weeks and is also hosted on the IBM cloud.

IBM has achieved a new milestone in quantum computing, reaching a Quantum Volume of 64 on a 27-qubit system, enhancing its performance and system capabilities. This improvement results from new software and hardware techniques that optimize quantum circuits, critical for achieving Quantum Advantage. Over the last four years, IBM has deployed 28 quantum computers and has 115 members in its IBM Q Network. With more than 250,000 registered users, they execute over 1 billion hardware circuits daily on the IBM Cloud.

IBM announced the launch of its next-generation POWER10 processor, designed for hybrid cloud computing. Utilizing 7nm technology, POWER10 promises up to 3x greater energy efficiency and workload capacity than the previous POWER9 model. Key features include multi-petabyte memory clusters, enhanced security with transparent memory encryption, and AI performance improvements, expected to be 10x to 20x faster for various calculations. The new processors are anticipated to hit the market in the second half of 2021, enhancing enterprise-grade hybrid cloud architectures.

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has entered a multiyear agreement with IBM to enhance its operations through a hybrid cloud environment utilizing Red Hat solutions. This partnership aims to streamline IT infrastructure, reduce operational costs, and leverage AI and data analytics for improved business insights. CCEP's CIO emphasized the confidence gained from previous collaborations with IBM, while IBM's SVP highlighted the tailored cloud solutions for CCEP's needs. This initiative continues their cloud journey initiated in 2018, underscoring a commitment to digital transformation.